As many of you know, I’m a fan of Edie Claire‘s Leigh Koslow “Never” Mystery Series. The first book in this series, Never Buried, establishes Leigh Koslow, somewhat-down-on-her-luck advertising writer whose strong community ties to the small Pittsburgh-adjacent borough of Avalon help her solve various mysteries that seem to plague her and her friends.
Sometimes when you pick up a book by a relatively unknown author, you feel a bit surprised to learn that this is their first professionally released book. Edie Claire‘s Never Buried was one of those books for me. The level of writing, especially the natural quality of the dialogue between Leigh, her cousin Cara, and former roommate Maura all feel like they were written by someone with at least a few books under her belt.
Unfortunately Claire left the Cozy Mystery arena for a decade, but she’s back >>> in the last few years she seems to have returned to the fold and picked up her Leigh Koslow series, once again releasing a steady book per year – great news for lovers of terrific Cozy Mysteries!
MJ’s really thorough January 2015 Mystery Book Recommendation got me thinking that I should really write something about Edie Claire. She’s a Cozy Mystery author you really shouldn’t miss! Here’s MJ’s recommendation:
Never Preach Past Noon — Edie Claire
I started two other books, both of which I read previous books in the series. I just couldn’t get beyond page 30 or 40. In one the story line was just two heavy and in the other, for some odd reason, I disliked the characters.
So I decided to read the third book in the ‘Never’ series by Edie Claire (a series I started reading because Danna gave it such high praise). I was so excited Ms. Claire hadn’t deviated from the quality writing of the previous two books. It is quick, witty, and evenly paced. I love the characters – so diverse, well developed, and some even a bit offbeat.
In one scene Leigh Koslow (protagonist) needs to call 911. She searches around for a pay phone. WOW! I thought I was reading ‘historical fiction’!!
The romantic story line is almost as compelling as the mystery storyline. I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see how the ‘romance’ situation was resolved.
I then read a couple of other books and decided to read the 4th book in this series, “Never Kissed Goodnight’. I’m not going to go on and on, but suffice it to say, “It is EXCELLENT”.
Originally I thought ‘Death is Like a Box of Chocolates’ would be my favorite book for this month. But after reading ‘Never Kissed Goodnight’ it went straight to the top of the list. What a surprise on the first page!
Judy E says
I have this book in my nook library on my tbs shelf. I must pull it out and read it. Thanks for the reminder.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy E, I think you’ll be glad you did!
Mary Joy says
These books were mentioned previously on this site, right? – when a new book was added after 10 years? Anyway, I thought I found out about Edie Claire on this blog. So far, I have read five of the books. I’d say it’s a very good series. It has good characters and the stories are multi-faceted.
Please keep up with the wonderful recommendations, especially the ones that are like those from the “golden age” of cozies. In my opinion, that was in the 90’s and early 2000’s. LOL !
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary Joy, yes, I have mentioned Edie Claire’s Leigh Koslow (Never) Mystery Series several times right here. MJ wrote about her in January’s Cozy Mystery Book Recommendations, which prompted me to write about her again.
Love your “Golden Age of Cozies” years!
Tomi says
I discovered this series while on an extended hospital stay. After finishing both books I’d brought along I looked for something free to download onto my reader (thank you for providing your list of free or cheap downloads). Never Buried was a delight and I read the second before leaving the hospital. There are 5 more Leigh Koslow books and a short story now waiting in my queue. Like you I was surprised to learn this was a first published. I think we all continue to try new authors in hopes of finding a rewarding gem like this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tomi, I don’t think anyone can go wrong trying this series. I look at the Leigh Koslow series as a “rewarding gem” also. I try lots and lots of new-to-me mysteries, and it’s always a treat to find one like this one!
Jackie says
Nook also has this book for free! I downloaded it. Thanks for the recommendation!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jackie, I always like it when new authors offer the first in their series free or super cheap. I’m always surprised when an author will have the first book at the regular price and then the rest of the series reduced. That just doesn’t make any sense to me…
Sheila says
Kindle also has the first book for free (price is right). Look forward to reading it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sheila, it’s a great way to try a new-to-you series!